THE region’s top detective yesterday described the alleged rape and murder of a baby as the most horrific crime he has investigated in his 38-year career.
Det Insp John Harris barely had the words to describe the shocking case of the 14-month-old girl who died late Monday night.
“It’s a tragedy,” he said “We are talking about a 14-month-old infant, incapable of defending herself.
“In my time in the police service, it’s equal to the worst crime I have seen.”
Det Insp Harris said the girl’s mother was in deep shock.
“(She is) traumatised, as you would expect,” he said.
A man, 18, yesterday appeared in Cairns Magistrates’ Court charged with murder, torture and two counts of rape. He was not required to enter a plea.
Magistrate Allan Comans scheduled a committal mention for April 17 and remanded the defendant in custody.
Police said the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the de facto partner of the child’s 17-year-old mother.
The young family was from Palm Island and had been visiting relatives at Westcourt.
Paramedics were called to a unit at Curtin St about 10.30pm after reports the baby was in distress.
She was taken to Cairns Base Hospital but died just before midnight.
Det Insp Harris said the baby had a minor head injury and police were waiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
He said the child was left alone with her accused killer while the mother went out.
“She was absent for a short period of time,” he said.
The alleged crimes happened over a period of about 20 minutes, he said. A major incident room was set up when police began investigating the death.
Detectives doorknocked the unit block and neighbouring homes while forensic officers collected evidence from the crime scene.
Det Insp Harris said the crime was so shocking officers involved in the investigation would be offered counselling. The Commission for Children and Young People was appalled by the infant’s death.
“The horrific outcome for this baby and her family has been noted and will be included in the Children Commission’s important child death reporting work,” Commissioner Elizabeth Fraser said.
January 18, 2007 at 5:24 pm
This case has rocked our beautiful and tourist driven town. My message to everyone is to stay vigilant. Child perpetrators are everywhere – even in paradise.
If people had reported their suspicions or concerns re this young family, baby may still be alive.
It is not our job to investigate, byt rather, to report. Protect ALL children by reporting suspected child abuse.